Thryv Experts Share Top AI Trends That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2026
Insights reveal practical AI applications that boost efficiency and drive growth
With AI at the forefront of most current business innovations, small business experts from Thryv, Inc. share their predictions for those trends poised to transform how SMBs compete and succeed in 2026.
AI Rapidly Accelerates Small Business Digital Transformation
Small business productivity will skyrocket as business owners use AI-enhanced automations for everything from marketing to invoicing and scheduling, to customer communications. Beyond that, the insights these automations produce, once only available to enterprises, create the opportunity for them to make data-driven decisions and anticipate business demands in ways they never could have before. A recent Thryv survey found more than half of SMBs are using AI, most of them daily, and 58% report saving 20+ hours per month. It feels like the small business digital transformation is now accelerating into the later innings. Joe Walsh, CEO, Thryv
Read More: Why E-Commerce Teams Need an AI Productivity Platform
No more “man vs. machine”
We’re in full “human + AI” mode. While predictive analytics will help businesses proactively prevent a customer issue before it becomes a negative online review, human interaction will continue to be expected and appreciated. Which is a real advantage for small businesses. These business owners aren’t just running a company, they’re part of the community, running local fundraisers and sponsoring youth sports teams. AI can provide the data insights that allow employees the freedom to bring empathy. Together, they create the kind of experiences that customers value. Grant Freeman, President, Thryv
AI Serving as Our Universal Assistant
AI will further streamline the way we work. It might feel futuristic to some but soon, we won’t need three apps to get one thing done. We’ll just ask an AI like ChatGPT or Claude to handle a task and, through integration with tools like our CRM and appointment scheduler, it will take care of the request inside the same conversation. For example, I would say “ChatGPT, schedule a call with my recent sales leads to review a quote and discuss next steps.” No extra clicks. No switching tools. Just action. This is where we’re headed: AI as your universal assistant. Sean Wechter, CTO, Thryv
SMBs will Reap the Benefits of Big Business Insights
With increased use of Chatbots, SMBs will be able to easily access and leverage data on purchase history, preferences, and browsing habits and provide tailored recommendations and customized solutions just like big brands do. We’re already seeing this dynamic play out with AI-driven personalized automations. It’s another case of accessible technology leveling the playing field for small businesses. Sarah Madden, Head of Customer Experience, Thryv
Go-To-Market Strategy Fueled by AI Will Be the New Standard
In 2026, an AI-powered GTM strategy won’t set a business apart. It will be a baseline requirement for staying relevant. SMB sales teams will increasingly leverage AI for lead scoring, email automation, and tailored communications, with the potential to see double-digit gains in conversion rates. Rees Johnson, Chief Product Officer, Thryv
Read More: A/B Testing vs. Real-World AI Testing: What Delivers Better Insights for Marketers?
Thryv’s 3 top tips for maximizing the power of AI for small business
- Start small, scale fast
Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Begin by applying AI to one high-impact area—like automating appointment scheduling or lead follow-ups—then expand as you see results. Or evaluate CRMs that integrate AI into their platform, so your AI experience is seamless. - Train Your Team to Work Smarter with AI
AI tools are only as effective as the people using them. Take the time to train your employees on how to interpret AI insights and incorporate them into daily workflows. This ensures that their usage of AI complements their judgment – not replaces it. - Make Data Your Superpower
AI feeds off data. Make sure your customer and business data is clean, organized, and current. The better your data quality, the more accurate your AI-driven recommendations and predictions will be, leading to smarter decisions and better customer experiences.
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